asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the plans he has to process the large amount of forest thinings at present coming on stream.
Written Answers. - Forest Thinnings.
213.
A sectoral study of the timber industry has been carried out by the Industrial Development Authority in co-operation with my own Department.
Since the study was completed the Industrial Development Authority have approved 33 projects with a job potential of over 500 in the sawmilling sector.
So far as the smaller size thinnings, which are mainly used by the pulpwood industry, are concerned the IDA have been examining the market prospects for a selected group of products and have interested a number of large international commercial users of pulpwood in undertaking studies of the prospects of industrial development in Ireland. It is not possible as yet to say what will be the outcome of these studies.
The Electricity Supply Board are also examining the use of pulpwood as an energy source.